JP3927981B2 - Method and system for off-program use of contract television - Google Patents

Abstract

A CATV gaming system including a CATV network having a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television, receiving apparatus for receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units, transmitting apparatus for transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results and accounting apparatus for settling gaming debts and winnings via the CATV network. Other services, such as shopping may be provided. <IMAGE>

Description

  The present invention relates generally to a CATV system, and more specifically to an application of the CATV system other than the original broadcast program.

Various proposals regarding betting systems using telecommunications are known from the patent literature.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,279 describes a method for providing an interactive CATV display of a targeted profile.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,482 describes a telecommunications terminal for ordering household goods using a bar code reader and a merchandise catalog.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,730 describes a sweep stakes game, which is an automatic game designed to be used on a banking system computer terminal such as an ATM terminal or POS terminal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,913 uses a telephone as a subscriber-side interface device so that a user who makes a call can receive a product from a given seller or provider without the need for voice interaction. A direct telephone dial ordering service system is described that allows services to be ordered.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,787 describes a simultaneous game network in which a game master terminal is connected to a plurality of game slave terminals by a computer network. The terminal used has a touch screen display.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,473 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,666 include a programmable game entry card and an operator security card that utilize a smart card that is inserted into a dedicated terminal installed at the game station. The online betting system used is described. Terminals installed in different game stations are interconnected by a general data link. Smart cards are personalized for each participant and for each operator. This system is further discussed in a paper entitled “Lotteries and Smart Cards” (by Cliff Dutton et al, SCAT '89, Conference Proceedings: Smart Card Applications and Technology, pp 165-171).
The paper titled “Application of Card Technology to the Casino Environment” (by Walter H. Wellman, SCAT '89, Conference Proceedings: Smart Card Applications and Technology, pp 172-182) states that smart cards are used in games. The idea is described.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,996,705 describes the idea of using a telecommunication system for a lottery, and also discusses a telephone-based system using an operator who speaks verbally with a user.
However, none of the conventional patents listed above is related to the CATV system.

A paper titled “An Evolutionary Approach to the Development of Two-Way Cable Technology Communications” (by James B. Wright et al, IEEE Transactions on Cable Television, Vol CATV-2, No. 1, January 1977) It has been proposed to develop a bidirectional CATV system that can be used for various applications such as.
The second page of the document titled “VideoGuard Secure Pay-TV Access Control” published December 1989 (published by News Datacom in London, England) shows the possibility of using smart cards for TV product sales. There is a description about. In addition, the fourth page has a description that “smart cards can be used as payment cards for purchase prices of goods”.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,701 describes a data browsing system and provides an interactive communication function between a host computer and a user without any modification to a normal television receiver. An apparatus is described that is made available for provision.

Listed below are representative examples of conventional examples discovered from the US patent literature. Since both are US patents, only the patent number is shown.
No. 4467424, No. 5036461, No. 4875164,
No. 5173589, No. 4893248, No. 4959978,
No. 4494197, No. 4323770, No. 5175416,
No. 5038022, No. 4969283, No. 5181107,
No. 5034807, No. 4689619, No. 5077607,
No. 4958381, No. 4450477, No. 4928168,
No. 4926256, No. 4455570, No. 4926255,
5,172,413, 4,864,110, 4,962,531,
5068894, 5036389, 4968873,
No. 5128523, No. 5162638, No. 5081680,
No. 5191410, No. 5111030, No. 4558464,
No. 5065235, No. 3845277, No. 4980542,
Nos. 5,105,268 and 4,978,839.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a CATV system, which is a CATV system and has remarkable features in applications other than its original program broadcast. However, the term “CATV” as used in this specification and claims is used in a very broad sense beyond the normal meaning of this term, and includes only cable television networks. In addition, it includes satellite television and also widely includes all pay television. The present invention also broadly and generally includes television game systems and television shopping systems.

  Therefore, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a CATV network having a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and a receiving device for receiving game input signals from the plurality of subscriber terminals, A CATV game comprising: a transmission device for transmitting information on game results to the plurality of subscriber terminals; and an accounting device for adjusting the losing amount and winning amount relating to the game via the CATV network. A system is provided.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is further provided a television network, a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and a communication device for receiving game input signals from the plurality of subscriber terminals. And a transmission device for transmitting information related to the result of the game to the plurality of subscriber terminals, and an accounting device for adjusting the losing amount and winning amount relating to the game via the communication device.・ Game system is provided.

According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a CATV network including a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and the plurality of subscribers via the CATV network. A transmitting device for transmitting information related to shopping opportunities to a terminal, a receiving device for receiving a shopping input signal from the plurality of subscriber terminals, and an accounting for paying a shopping fee via the CATV network A CATV shopping system comprising the apparatus is provided.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a CATV network having a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and receiving a game input signal from the plurality of subscriber terminals. CATV game comprising: a receiving device for transmitting a game, a transmitting device for transmitting information related to a game result to the plurality of subscriber terminals, and an accounting device for adjusting a losing amount and a winning amount relating to the game • A system is provided.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a CATV network having a plurality of subscriber terminals each having a television, and a receiving apparatus for receiving a game input signal from the plurality of subscriber terminals. A CATV game system comprising: a transmission device for transmitting information on game results to the plurality of subscriber terminals; and a programmable restriction device for restricting betting activity via the CATV network. Provided.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a CATV network having a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and receiving a game input signal from the plurality of subscriber terminals. A receiving device for transmitting the information about the game result to the plurality of subscriber terminals, the CATV network directly connected to the general-purpose credit card billing and payment mechanism, and the credit card mechanism. A CATV game system including an accounting device for paying out a losing amount and a winning amount relating to a game is provided.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a CATV network including a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and the plurality of subscribers via the CATV network. Directly connected to a transmitting device for transmitting information about shopping opportunities to a terminal, a receiving device for receiving a shopping input signal from the plurality of subscriber terminals, and a general-purpose credit card billing and payment mechanism, There is provided a CATV shopping system comprising a CATV network and an accounting device for paying a shopping fee via the credit card mechanism.

  It is preferable that the accounting apparatus is an apparatus that individually maintains an account for a CATV program viewing fee and an account for a fee other than the program viewing fee.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is further provided a CATV network having a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and a game input from the plurality of subscriber terminals. A CATV game including a step of receiving a signal, a step of transmitting information on a game result to the plurality of subscriber terminals, and a step of adjusting a losing amount and a winning amount relating to the game via the CATV network. A method is provided.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is further provided a television network comprising a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and a game from the plurality of subscriber terminals. Receiving an input signal; transmitting information about a game result to the plurality of subscriber terminals; and adjusting a losing amount and a winning amount relating to the game via a communication device. A television game method is provided.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, further comprising the step of providing a CATV network including a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television; Transmitting information about shopping opportunities to a plurality of subscriber terminals, receiving a shopping input signal from the plurality of subscriber terminals, and paying a shopping fee via the CATV network. A CATV shopping method is provided.

  According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a CATV network having a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and a game from the plurality of subscriber terminals. A step of receiving an input signal; a step of transmitting raw information about the result of the game to the plurality of subscriber terminals via the CATV network; and a settlement and a winning amount relating to the game via the CATV network A CATV game method is provided.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, further comprising the steps of providing a CATV network having a plurality of subscriber terminals, each equipped with a television, and receiving a game input signal from the plurality of subscriber terminals. A CATV game method comprising: transmitting information about a game result to the plurality of subscriber terminals; and restricting a betting activity via the CATV network.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is further provided a CATV network having a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television, and a game input from the plurality of subscriber terminals. Receiving a signal; transmitting information about a game result to the plurality of subscriber terminals; directly connected to a general-purpose credit card billing and payment mechanism; via the CATV network and the credit card mechanism; A CATV game method is provided which includes a step of paying out a losing amount and a winning amount relating to the game.

  According to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, further comprising the step of providing a CATV network including a central control station and a plurality of subscriber terminals each equipped with a television; Transmitting the information about shopping opportunities to a plurality of subscriber terminals; receiving a shopping input signal from the plurality of subscriber terminals; and directly connecting to a general-purpose credit card billing and payment mechanism; And a CATV shopping method including the step of paying a shopping fee via the credit card mechanism.

  According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus and method of the present invention can function without the need for voice interaction between the subscriber and the operator. In gaming applications, the television network may further provide statistical data about the game to the subscriber.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, subscribers can receive game programs from game program sources other than the television network, such as computers and video cassettes.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Referring first to FIG. 1, this is a generalized block diagram of a CATV television game system having a configuration and operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  This CATV game system includes the CATV network 10 or is used together with the CATV network 10. The CATV network 10 typically includes a program signal input device (not shown) and is coupled to a plurality of subscriber terminals 12 via any suitable connection, such as cables and microwaves, for example. . The CATV network assumed by the present invention has a communication function of one-way communication, that is, communication toward a subscriber, and bidirectional communication, that is, communication to and from a subscriber. But it ’s okay. If the CATV network has only a one-way communication function, communication from the subscriber may be performed by any appropriate communication medium such as a telephone.

  Each of the plurality of subscriber terminals 12 preferably includes a television 14, a CATV interface device 16, and a subscriber-side input device 18 associated with the interface device 16. The CATV interface device 16 can be a device using a commercially available general decoder supplied from several vendors. However, this CATV interface device 16 is preferably a device configured as a dedicated machine, and its function will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The subscriber side input device 18 may use a general CATV remote control device. As another method, the subscriber-side input device 18 may be an alphanumeric input device such as a keyboard equipped in the interface device 16.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CATV network 10 provides one or more game programs, the subscriber can select the game program, and for the game program, for example, a card game or roulette. It is possible to input a game input signal such as a wager. As another method, the subscriber can receive the program signal from the auxiliary program signal supply source such as a video cassette or a computer via the interface device 16 without using the CATV network 10. Yes.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a game input signal receiving device 20 for receiving game input signals from a plurality of subscriber terminals 12 is provided. The receiving device 20 may be configured as a part of the computer system of the CATV network 10 or may be a separate computer device attached to the computer system of the CATV network 10. The receiving device 20 can also receive data from the subscriber terminal 12 via the CATV network, or via a telephone line via a modem (not shown) provided on the subscriber side. So that it can be received. The function and structure of the game input signal receiving device 20 will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  The game is managed by the game control circuit 22. The game control circuit 22 interfaces with the game input signal receiving device 20 and the transmitting device 26, and the transmitting device 26 transmits the game program signal and the game result signal to the subscriber via the CATV network. . The function and structure of the game control circuit 22 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. The game control circuit 22 further receives inputs from the game probability generation device 21 and the supplier side transaction processing device 25.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the accounting device 24 interfaces with the game control circuit 22 to manage accounting processing for games between the subscriber and the CATV network. This accounting device 24 may be a device that functions as a part of the accounting system of the CATV network. In this case, depending on whether the bet is won or lost, the debit of the account for the subscriber's CATV is entered and credited. It is sufficient to use a device for entering the winning amount. Alternatively, a CATV broadcast account and a game account may be maintained separately, which is more preferable. The function and structure of the accounting device 24 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  The accounting device 24 can interface directly with the transmitting device 26 to provide information about each subscriber's winning, losing, and account balances to each subscriber via the CATV system. The function and structure of the transmitter 26 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. This accounting device 24 is preferably configured to maintain an account for CATV broadcast viewing charges and an account for billing other than the viewing charges individually.

  Next, FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a generalized block diagram of a broadcast television game system having a configuration and operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  This broadcast television game system includes the broadcast television network 30 or is used together with the broadcast television network 30. The broadcast television network 30 generally includes a program signal input device (not shown) and sends a broadcast to a plurality of subscriber terminals 32.

  Each of the plurality of subscriber terminals 32 preferably includes a television 34 provided with an antenna 35 and a subscriber-side input device 38 associated therewith. The subscriber side input device 38 is preferably either a general input device or a dedicated device, and its function will be described later with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. The subscriber side input device 38 may be various alphanumeric input devices such as a keyboard. The subscriber side input device 38 may further have a function of a remote control device of the television 34.

  The subscriber side input device 38 is preferably coupled to a wired or wireless communication device 40 via a telephone line or other suitable communication line 41. It is preferable that the subscriber side input device 38 further be supplied with a program signal from an auxiliary program signal supply source 39.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast television network 30 provides one or more game programs, the subscriber can select the game programs, and for example, card games, A game input signal such as a roulette bet can be input from the subscriber side input device 38.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 40 has a function of receiving game input signals from a plurality of subscriber terminals 32. The function and structure of the communication device 40 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The game is managed by the game control circuit 42. The game control circuit 42 interfaces with the communication device 40 and the TV transmission device 44, and the TV transmission device 44 transmits the game program signal and the game result signal to the subscriber via the broadcast television network. The game control circuit 42 also receives inputs from the supplier side accounting processor 47 and the game probability generator 49, which is a suitably programmed computer, for example.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an accounting device 46 interfaces with the game control circuit 42 to manage accounting processing for games between the subscriber and the broadcast television network. This accounting device 46 is designed to allow a debit amount of a subscriber's account to be debited and a credit amount to be entered according to a bet win or loss.

The accounting device 46 can provide each subscriber with information regarding the winning and losing amounts of each subscriber via the broadcast television system by directly interfacing with the communication device 40. Further, the accounting device 46 directly interfaces with the TV transmission device 44 to give each subscriber information about the winning amount, losing amount, and account deduction balance via the television broadcasting network 30. It can also be provided. This information may be given to the subscriber as audio information, or alternatively may be given as visual information using a display attached to the subscriber side input device 38. Alternatively, or alternatively, the subscriber input device 38 and the television 3
4 may be displayed on the screen of the television 34 via an appropriate display output line 48 between the two.

  The accounting device 46 can also interface directly with the supplier-side accounting processor 47 to provide accounting data related to the supplier.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, this is a generalized block diagram of a CATV television shopping system having a configuration and operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  This shopping system for CATV includes the CATV network 50 or is used together with the CATV network 50. The CATV network 50 generally includes a program signal input / transmission device (not shown), and is connected to a plurality of subscriber terminals 52 via any appropriate connection path such as a cable and a microwave. Are connected.

  Each of the plurality of subscriber terminals 52 preferably includes a television 54, a CATV interface device 56, and a subscriber-side input device 58 associated with the interface device 56. The CATV interface device 56 may be a device using a commercially available general decoder supplied from several vendors. However, this CATV interface device 56 is preferably a device configured as a dedicated machine, and its function will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The subscriber side input device 58 may use a general CATV remote control device. Alternatively, the subscriber-side input device 58 may be an alphanumeric input device such as a keyboard that is provided in the interface device 56.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CATV network 50 provides one or more shopping programs, the subscriber can select the shopping programs, and for the shopping programs, for example, the type of goods, A shopping input signal such as a selection signal for color and size can be input. As another method, a shopping opportunity providing signal can be received from the shopping product information generating device 63.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shopping input signal receiving device 60 for receiving shopping input signals from a plurality of subscriber terminals 52 is provided. The receiving device 60 may be configured as a part of the computer system of the CATV network 50, or may be a separate computer device attached to the computer system of the CATV network 50. The function and structure of the shopping input signal receiving device 60 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Shopping is managed by the shopping control circuit 62. The shopping control circuit 62 interfaces with the shopping input signal receiving device 60 and the transmitting device 66. One possible form of shopping program is an auction. In the case of an auction program, an auction price signal and a successful bid result signal are transmitted to the subscriber via the CATV network. The shopping control circuit 62 further interfaces with the shopping merchandise information generating device 63 and the supplier side accounting processing device 65 so as to receive a shopping condition signal and a shopping notification signal from each.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the accounting device 64 interfaces with the shopping control circuit 62 to manage the accounting processing related to shopping between the subscriber and the CATV network. This accounting device 64 may be a device that functions as a part of the accounting system of the CATV network. In this case, the debit amount of the subscriber's CATV account is entered in accordance with the winning or losing of the bet, and credited A device for entering the winning amount may be used. Alternatively, a CATV broadcast account and a shopping account may be maintained separately, which is more preferable.

  The accounting device 64 can interface directly with the transmitting device 66 to provide information about each subscriber's winning, losing, and account balances to each subscriber via the CATV system. This accounting device 64 is preferably configured to maintain an account for CATV broadcast viewing charges and an account for billing other than the viewing charges individually.

  Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, they combine to form a single figure, which provides a live CATV interactive program, such as an auction or game program. 1 is a generalized block diagram of an apparatus for 4 and 5 can be used in the system shown in FIG. 1 and can also be used in the system shown in FIG.

  The device 80 that is an input device for games or shopping may be the same as the device 20 of FIG. 1 or the device 60 of FIG. 3, for example, and this device 80 is sent to the studio 84 configured as an auction hall or a game hall. Subscriber input signals are provided via a suitable interface 82. The supplied subscriber input signal may be visually displayed on the display 86 in the studio 84 or may be used in other appropriate manners depending on the specific activity being performed in the studio 84.

  The game or auction is performed as a live activity in front of the TV camera 88, where the subscriber input signal is used as a bid signal in the auction, depending on the case, or a wager in the game. Is used as a signal representing the amount of money. The TV camera 88 captures the substantial activity performed based on the subscriber input signal, and sends the raw image of the activity to the result signal transmission device 92 via the appropriate interface circuit 90. The raw image is further transmitted from the result signal transmission device 92 to the subscriber terminal 12. A result signal of a game or the like is further input to the game control device 22 via the interface circuit 90.

  The result signal transmission device 92 has a function of adding a game result signal or an auction result signal to the transmission signal by superimposition or other methods as necessary.

  Next, FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 6 shows a system in which the following modifications are added to the CATV television game system of the type shown in FIG. Most of the components of the system of FIG. 6 are the same as those of the system shown in FIG. 1, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In addition to these components, the system of FIG. 6 further includes a game activity limiting device 100 for limiting the game activity. The game activity restriction device 100 will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35. This device 100 is suitable for the subscriber terminal 12, the game control circuit 22, and the accounting device 24, for example. In response to the control input signal received from the control input signal generation source, a function for inhibiting or limiting the game activity is provided.

The control input signal from the subscriber terminal 12, for example, prohibits the subscriber from participating in the game completely or for a certain period of time, or the subscriber participates in the game beyond a certain limit amount This signal is for the purpose of prohibiting the user from doing so. The control input signal from the game control circuit 22 is, for example, for limiting the number of participation in the game or limiting the amount of money when participating in the game. The control input signal from the accounting device 24 is for setting, for example, a limit on the losing amount that the subscriber may lose, a limit on the winning amount that may be obtained, and the like.

  The system of FIG. 5 further includes a generic, general purpose credit card interface 102, which is coupled to the accounting device 24, and in a general manner, a major credit card network. And a function of charging the losing amount of the game to the subscriber's credit card and paying back the winning amount.

  Next, FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 7 shows a system in which the following modifications are added to the CATV television shopping system of the type shown in FIG. Most of the components of the system of FIG. 7 are the same as the components of the system shown in FIG. 3, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

  In addition to these components, the system of FIG. 7 further includes a general, general purpose credit card interface 104, which is coupled to an accounting device 64 and is generally It has a function to make a bill with a credit card of a subscriber and make a refund for the credit card of the subscriber by interacting with a major credit card network in a simple manner.

Next, FIGS. 8 to 10 will be described. These are combined to form a single figure, and the figure formed is the interface device 16 and the subscriber side input device in the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment CATV interface that can be used as 18. Each of the subscriber terminals 12 receives various types of scrambled input signals respectively transmitted from the transmission device 26 and the plurality of normal program signal transmission devices by the interface device 16. These input signals include, for example, those listed below.
Video program signal,
Game program signal,
Control messages,
Game notification signal,
Access control data packets,
Statistical data and codes,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Game subscriber accounting data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
Video carrier signal carrying various input signals as described above.

  A receiving device 150 that receives various input signals sent from the transmitting device 26 performs a necessary demodulation process and then supplies the output signal to the decoding circuit 152. The decoding circuit 152 includes: It is preferable to decode these input signals. Alternatively, the input signals can be unscrambled signals and the decoding circuit can be omitted. As a further alternative, only some of the input signals can be scrambled signals. As the receiving apparatus 150, a general receiving apparatus that can be used in a CATV system that transmits an encrypted signal can be used.

Decoding circuit 152 further receives one or several of the auxiliary input signals listed below from smart card device 154 or memory 156.
seed,
Key,
Subscriber selection signal stored in advance,
algorithm,
Accounting data.
Most of these auxiliary input signals are signals that are used to decode all or part of the output signal of the receiver 150.

The decoding circuit 152 supplies the video program output signal and the game program output signal to the television 14 (FIG. 1), and supplies the output signals listed below to the CPU 158.
Control messages,
Game notification signal,
Access control data packets,
Statistical data and codes,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Game subscriber accounting data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
Subscriber selection signal stored in advance.

  The CPU 158 further receives a game input signal via the subscriber input data receiving device 160 using a general I / O interface or the like. The data receiving device 160 can be operated with a keyboard 162 connected to the data receiving device 160, or can be remotely operated with a remote control device 164 that forms part of the subscriber side input device 18. The CPU 158 further receives an algorithm and non-ciphertext data from the memory 156.

The CPU 158 supplies the output signals listed below to the television 14 (FIG. 1) via the multiplexer 166, the modulation circuit 168, and the screen display insertion circuit (OSD insertion circuit) 169.
CATV and game selection signals,
Statistical data,
Processed control messages,
Processed game notification signal,
Accounting notification signal,
CATV and game accounting data and codes.

The CPU 158 further sends out the output signals listed below via the multiplexer 170 and the data encryption circuit 172.
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Game subscriber accounting data and codes,
Game selection signal and code,
CATV selection signal and code.

  The data encryption circuit 172 receives the seed, key, and algorithm from the smart card device 154, and transmits the encrypted CATV selection signal and code to the computer of the CATV network via the transmission device 174 and the game input signal. The encrypted game selection signal and code are sent to the receiving device 20 (FIG. 1).

It is preferable that the data encryption circuit 172 further supplies the output signals listed below in an encrypted form to one or both of the memory 156 and the smart card device 154.
Game subscriber accounting data and codes,
Game selection signal,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
CATV selection signal.

  The smart card device 154 preferably operates according to the teachings of the applicant's European Patent Application No. 90310131.9. It should be noted that, as an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which one of the memory 156 and the smart card device 154 is omitted can be configured.

Next, FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure and operation of the game input signal receiving device 20 forming a part of the system of FIG. The demodulation circuit 200 receives the input signals listed below from the plurality of subscriber terminals 12 via the interface devices 16 of the subscriber terminals and demodulates them.
Payment method selection signal,
Game credit request signal,
Game selection signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
A selection signal about where to bet,
Subscriber identification information,
Game supplier selection signal,
Service type selection signal.

  As a configuration that can be arbitrarily adopted, the game input signal receiving device 20 may further receive various subscriber selection signals related to CATV including a CATV program selection signal.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, various input signals received by the demodulation circuit 200 are encrypted signals. For this purpose, an appropriate decoding circuit 202 that receives an output signal from the demodulation circuit 200 is provided.

  The output signal of the decoding circuit 202 (however, when the decoding circuit is not used, the output of the demodulation circuit 200) is preferably supplied to the demultiplexer 204, and the demultiplexer 204 is supplied. The various input signals are separated into several input signals to be supplied to the game control circuit 22 and several input signals to be supplied to the accounting device 24. The demultiplexer 204 allocates input signals in accordance with instructions received from the control circuit 206.

The input signals listed below are supplied to the accounting device 24.
Game credit request signal,
Game payment method selection signal,
Game supplier selection signal,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal.

The input signals listed below are supplied to the game control circuit 22.
Game selection signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
A selection signal about where to bet,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal.

All of the input signals supplied to the demodulating circuit 200 and other information used in the system are usually preferably in a coded format. A diagram showing an example of a typical chord organization is shown in FIGS. This diagram will be described in detail later.

  Next, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 will be described. They are combined to form one figure, and the figure formed is a diagram showing the game control circuit 22 of FIG. The game control circuit 22 of FIG. 1 includes a demultiplexer 210 that receives a control message from the accounting device 24 (FIG. 1) and provides the demultiplexed control message to the CPU 212. .

The second demultiplexer 214 receives the input signals listed below from the game input signal receiving device 20.
Game selection signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
A selection signal about where to bet,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal.

  The second demultiplexer 214 supplies these input signals to the CPU 212 after separating them. The CPU 212 performs processing on those supplied input signals, and also inputs an input signal indicating a combination of winning amounts received from the game probability generating device 21 and a supplier code received from the supplier side accounting processing device 25. The signal is also processed.

The output signal of the CPU 212 is generally merged in the merge circuit 216, and the merge circuit 216 supplies the output signal to the multiplexer 218. Multiplexer 218 provides the output signals listed below to accounting device 24.
Game type signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
Winning amount signal,
Loss amount signal,
Subscriber identification information.

  The multiplexer 218 further supplies the control message and the game notification signal to the transmission device 26 so that the signal is transmitted to the corresponding subscriber.

  Next, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 will be described. They are combined to form a single figure, and the figure formed shows the accounting apparatus 24 of FIG.

The first demultiplexer 230 receives the input signals listed below from the game control circuit 22.
Game type signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
Winning amount signal,
Loss amount signal,
Subscriber identification information.

The second demultiplexer 232 receives input signals listed below from a computer of the CATV network.
CATV credit request amount signal,
Subscriber identification information,
CATV program code,
CATV supplier code,
Service type identification information,
CATV payment method selection signal.

The third demultiplexer 234 receives the input signals listed below from the game input signal receiving device 20.
Game credit request signal,
Game payment method selection signal,
Game supplier code,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type identification information.

  The output signals of the above three demultiplexers 230, 232, and 234 are all supplied to the CPU 236, and the processing functions of the CPU 236 will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

The CPU 236 supplies the output signals listed below to the merge circuit 238.
CATV credit data and code,
CATV debit data and code,
CATV balance data and code,
Game credit data and code,
Game debit data and code,
Game balance data and code,
Statistical data and codes.

The merge circuit 238 merges the above output signals and provides the merged form of these output signals to the multiplexer 240, which generates the output signals listed below for each subscriber individually.
A control message that is an output signal supplied to the game control circuit 22.
The following output signals, which are output signals supplied to the transmitter 26:
Statistical data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Game subscriber accounting data and codes.
The following output signals, which are output signals to be supplied to the supplier side accounting processor 25:
CATV supplier accounting data,
Game supplier accounting data.

The merge circuit 238 further provides accounting data and codes and statistical data and codes to the memory control circuit 242. The memory control circuit 242 also receives general data from the CPU 236 and updates the memory bank 244 containing the registers listed below.
CATV balance data register,
Register for statistical data,
Notification register,
General-purpose data memory,
Game debit data register,
Game credit data register,
Register for game balance data,
CATV debit data register,
CATV credit data register.

  The memory bank 244 can also be accessed from the CPU 236 via the memory control circuit 242, thereby enabling transfer of general-purpose data.

Next, FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 16 shows the transmission device 26 of FIG. The transmission device 26 includes a multiplexer 250 that receives an access control data packet from a computer of the CATV network and receives a control message and a game notification signal from the game control circuit 22. The multiplexer 250 further receives input signals listed below from the accounting device 24.
Statistical data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Game subscriber accounting data and codes.

  The output signal of the multiplexer 250 is supplied to the modulation circuit 254 via the encryption circuit 252. The modulation circuit 254 modulates the video carrier signal received from the video carrier signal generation source and supplies the modulated output signal to the merging / amplifying circuit 256. The merging / amplifying circuit 256 receives the game program signal and the video program signal from the appropriate program signal transmission source, and transmits the video output signal to the plurality of subscriber terminals 12.

Next, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 will be described. They are combined to form a single figure, and the formed figure is used as the subscriber side input device 38 in the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 2 illustrates an interface of a preferred embodiment that can be used. Each of the subscriber terminals 32 receives a broadcast television input signal transmitted from a TV transmission device 44 forming a part of the broadcast television network 30 via the antenna 35 by the subscriber side input device 38. Each of the subscriber side input devices 38 can further receive a plurality of input signals from the auxiliary transmitter device 39. Among these input signals, for example, those listed below are included.
Video program signal,
Game program signal,
Control messages,
Game notification signal,
Game subscriber accounting data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
Statistical data and codes.
These input signals are carried by a video carrying signal.

A receiving device 300 that receives these various input signals that are input to the subscriber side input device 38 can directly supply the TV program signal and the game program signal of the input signals to the television 34. It is preferable that Information on other input signals is supplied to the demodulation circuit 302, and further supplied from the demodulation circuit 302 to the demultiplexer 304. The output signal of the demultiplexer 304 is supplied to the CPU 306, and the output signals preferably include the signals listed below.
Accounting notification signal,
Game notification signal,
Control messages,
Game subscriber accounting data and data,
Statistical data and codes.

  The CPU 306 receives a game selection signal input from the cord-connected keyboard 310 or the remote control device 312 via the subscriber I / O interface 308. The CPU 306 further receives from the decryption circuit 314 an input signal obtained by decrypting the game selection signal and the accounting data. The decryption circuit 314 receives seeds, keys and algorithms, as well as game selection signals and accounting data, all in encrypted form, from a smart card device 316 that reads the smart card 318, or from the memory 322.

  The smart card device 316 further has a function of inserting the encrypted game selection signal and the encrypted game subscriber accounting data and code supplied from the data encryption circuit 320 into the smart card. .

  The memory 322 further functions as an external memory of the CPU 306, and can store algorithms and non-ciphertext data used by the CPU 306. The data encryption circuit 320 supplies the encrypted game selection signal, game subscriber accounting data, and code to the memory 322. The data encryption circuit 320 further receives seeds, keys, and algorithms from the smart card device 316.

  The CPU 306 supplies the game subscriber accounting data and code and the game selection signal and code to the multiplexer 324, and the multiplexer 324 supplies them to the data encryption circuit 320.

The CPU 306 supplies the output signals listed below to the television 34 (FIG. 2) via the multiplexer 326, the modulation circuit 328, and the screen display insertion circuit (OSD insertion circuit) 329.
Statistical data,
Game selection signal,
Processed control messages,
Processed game notification signal,
Accounting notification signal,
Game accounting data and codes.

  The data encryption circuit 320 further supplies the encrypted game selection signal and code to the communication device 40 via the communication modem 330.

Next, FIG. 19 will be described. FIG. 19 shows a communication device 40 that forms part of the system of FIG. The communication device 40 includes a demodulation circuit 350, which receives input signals from a plurality of subscriber side input devices 38. The demodulating circuit 350 preferably supplies the output signals listed below to the decoding circuit 352.
Game credit request signal,
Payment method selection signal,
Game selection signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
A selection signal about where to bet,
Subscriber identification information,
Game supplier selection signal,
Service type selection signal.

The decoding circuit 352 supplies the decoded output signal to the demultiplexer 354. The demultiplexer 354 preferably receives a control signal from the control circuit 356 and supplies the output signals listed below to the game control circuit 42 (FIG. 2) according to the control signal.
Game selection signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
A selection signal about where to bet,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal.

Demultiplexer 354 preferably further provides the output signals listed below to accounting device 46 (FIG. 2).
Game credit request signal,
Payment method selection signal,
Subscriber identification information,
Game supplier selection signal,
Service type selection signal.

  Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, they combine to form a single figure, which is a simple block of the game control circuit 42 that forms part of the system of FIG. FIG. The game control circuit 42 includes a demultiplexer 360. The demultiplexer 360 receives a control message from the accounting device 46 (FIG. 2) and supplies a control message corresponding to the received control message to the CPU 362.

The game control circuit 42 further includes a demultiplexer 364. The demultiplexer 364 receives input signals listed below from the communication device 40 and supplies input signals corresponding to the received input signals to the CPU 362.
Game selection signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
A selection signal about where to bet,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal.

The CPU 362 further receives a supplier code from the supplier-side accounting processor 47 and receives a signal indicating a winning combination from the game probability generator 49. The CPU 362 supplies the output signals listed below to the accounting device 46 via the merge circuit 365 and the multiplexer 366.
Selection signals regarding game type and game options,
Winning amount signal,
Loss amount signal,
Subscriber identification information.

The CPU 362 further supplies the output signals listed below to the TV transmitter 44 (FIG. 2) via the merging circuit 365 and the multiplexer 366.
Control messages,
Game notification signal.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, they combine to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram of the accounting device 46 that forms part of the system of FIG. It is. The accounting device 46 includes a first demultiplexer 370 that receives the input signals listed below from the game control circuit 42.
Selection signals regarding game type and game options,
Winning amount signal,
Loss amount signal,
Subscriber identification information.

The accounting device 46 further includes a second demultiplexer 372. The second demultiplexer 372 receives the input signals listed below from the communication device 40.
Game credit request signal,
Payment method selection signal,
Subscriber identification information,
Game supplier selection signal,
Service type selection signal.

The output signals of the two demultiplexers 370 and 372 are supplied to the CPU 374. The CPU 374 receives general-purpose data from the memory control circuit 376 configured to access the memory 378. The memory 378 preferably includes at least the memory units listed below.
Register for game balance data,
Notification register,
Register for statistical data,
Game debit data register,
Game credit data register,
General-purpose data memory.

The CPU 374 outputs the information listed below to the multiplexer 382 via the merge circuit 380 and to the memory 378 via the memory control circuit 376.
Game credit data and code,
Game debit data and code,
Game balance data and code,
Statistical data and codes.

  CPU 374 further provides control messages to multiplexer 382 via merge circuit 380.

The multiplexer 382 supplies a control message to the game control circuit 42, game supplier accounting data to the supplier accounting processor 47, and output signals listed below to the TV transmitter 44.
Statistical data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
Game subscriber accounting data and codes.

Next, FIG. 24 will be described. FIG. 24 is a simple block diagram of the TV transmission device 44 forming a part of the system of FIG. The multiplexer 390 forming a part of the TV transmitter 44 receives a control message and a game notification signal from the game control circuit 42 and receives input signals listed below from the accounting device 46.
Statistical data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
Game subscriber accounting data and codes.

The multiplexer 390 supplies an output signal to the modulation circuit 394 via the encryption circuit 392. The modulation circuit 394 receives the video carrier signal from the video carrier signal generation source. The modulation output of the modulation circuit 394 is supplied to the merging / amplifying circuit 396. The merging / amplifying circuit 396 receives a game program signal and a TV program signal from an appropriate program signal transmission source, and has a function of supplying a TV broadcast signal to the subscriber side input device 38.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-27, they combine to form a single figure, which is formed by the interface device 56 and the subscriber side input that form part of the system of FIG. FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment CATV interface that can be used as device 58. Each of the subscriber terminals 52 receives several kinds of scrambled input signals sent from the transmission device 66 by the interface device 56. Among these input signals, for example, those listed below are included.
Video program signal,
Shopping program signal,
Control messages,
Shopping notification signal,
Access control data packets,
Statistical data and codes,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Shopping subscriber accounting data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
Video carrier signal carrying various input signals as described above.

  A receiving apparatus 400 that receives various input signals sent from the transmitting apparatus 66 is a receiving apparatus that performs the necessary demodulation processing and then supplies the output signal to the decoding circuit 402. It is preferable that the circuit 402 decodes these input signals. Alternatively, the input signals can be unscrambled signals and the decoding circuit can be omitted. As a further alternative, only some of the input signals can be scrambled signals. As the receiving apparatus 400, a general receiving apparatus that can be used in a CATV system that transmits an encrypted signal can be used.

Decoding circuit 402 further receives from one or several of the auxiliary input signals listed below from smart card device 404 or memory 406.
seed,
Key,
Subscriber selection signal stored in advance,
algorithm,
Accounting data.
Most of these auxiliary input signals are signals used to decode all or part of the output signal of the receiving device 400. The receiving device 400 can further receive a shopping program signal from a shopping opportunity providing signal source.

The decoding circuit 402 supplies the video program output signal and the shopping program output signal to the television 54 (FIG. 3), and supplies the output signals listed below to the CPU 408.
Control messages,
Shopping notification signal,
Access control data packets,
Statistical data and codes,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Shopping subscriber accounting data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
Subscriber selection signal stored in advance.

  The CPU 408 further receives a shopping input signal via the input data interface 410 of the subscriber terminal using a general I / O interface or the like. The input data interface 410 can be operated by a keyboard 412 connected thereto, and can be remotely operated by a remote control device 414 forming a part of the subscriber side input device 58.

The CPU 408 supplies the output signals listed below to the television 54 (FIG. 3) via the multiplexer 416 and the modulation circuit 418.
CATV and shopping selection signals,
Statistical data,
Processed control messages,
Processed shopping notification signal,
Accounting notification signal,
CATV and shopping accounting data and codes.

The CPU 408 further sends out the output signals listed below via the multiplexer 420 and the data encryption circuit 422.
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Shopping subscriber accounting data and codes,
Shopping selection signal and code,
CATV selection signal and code.

  The data encryption circuit 422 receives seeds, keys, and algorithms from the smart card device 404, and receives the encrypted CATV selection signal and code and the shopping input signal to the CATV network computer via the transmission device 424. The encrypted shopping selection signal and code are sent to the device 60 (FIG. 3).

The data encryption circuit 422 preferably further supplies the output signals listed below in an encrypted form to one or both of the memory 406 and the smart card device 404.
Shopping subscriber accounting data and codes,
Shopping selection signal,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
CATV selection signal.

  The smart card device 404 preferably operates in accordance with the teachings of applicant's European Patent Application No. 90310131.9. It should be noted that, as an embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which either one of the memory 406 and the smart card device 404 is omitted can be configured.

Next, FIG. 28 will be described. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the structure and function of a shopping input signal receiving device 60 that forms part of the system of FIG. The demodulation circuit 450 receives and demodulates the input signals listed below from the plurality of subscriber terminals 52 via the interface devices 56 of the terminals.
Payment method selection signal,
Shopping credit request signal,
Selection signal for item, color, size,
Attached item selection signal,
Subscriber identification information,
Shopping supplier selection signal,
Service type selection signal.

  As a configuration that can be arbitrarily adopted, the shopping input signal receiving apparatus 60 may further receive various subscriber selection signals related to CATV including the CATV program selection signal.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, various input signals received by the demodulation circuit 450 are encrypted signals. For this purpose, an appropriate decoding circuit 452 for receiving the output signal from the demodulation circuit 450 is provided.

  The output signal of the decoding circuit 452 (however, when the decoding circuit is not used, the output of the demodulation circuit 450) is preferably supplied to the demultiplexer 454, and this demultiplexer 454 is supplied. The various input signals are separated and divided into several input signals supplied to the shopping control circuit 62 and several input signals supplied to the accounting device 64. The demultiplexer 454 allocates input signals in accordance with an instruction received from the control circuit 456.

The input signals listed below are supplied to the accounting device 64.
Shopping credit request signal,
Shopping payment method selection signal,
Shopping supplier selection signal,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal.

The input signals listed below are supplied to the shopping control circuit 62.
Selection signal for item, color, size,
Attached item selection signal,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal.

  All of the input signals supplied to the demodulator circuit 450 and other information used in the system are usually preferably in a coded format. A diagram showing an example of a typical code organization is shown in FIGS. 36 to 39, and the contents of this diagram can be easily understood without particularly explaining.

  Next, FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 will be described. They are combined to form one figure, and the figure formed is a diagram showing the shopping control circuit 62 of FIG. The shopping control circuit 62 of FIG. 3 includes a demultiplexer 460 that receives a control message from the accounting device 64 (FIG. 3) and supplies the demultiplexed control message to the CPU 212.

The second demultiplexer 464 receives the input signals listed below from the shopping input signal receiving device 60.
Selection signal for item, color, size,
Attached item selection signal,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal.

  The second demultiplexer 464 supplies these input signals to the CPU 462 after separating them. The CPU 462 performs processing on the supplied input signals, and also receives an input signal indicating the availability of shopping received from the shopping merchandise information generating device 63 (FIG. 3), and the supplier side accounting processing device 65 (FIG. 3). Processing is also performed on the input signal indicating the supplier code received from), and the processing is performed in accordance with the functional operations shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 45 to 47, which will be described later.

The output signal of the CPU 462 is generally merged in the merging circuit 466, and the merging circuit 466 supplies the output signal to the multiplexer 468. Multiplexer 468 provides the output signals listed below to accounting device 64.
Item, color, size signal,
Attached item signal,
Subscriber identification information.

  The multiplexer 468 further supplies the control message and the shopping notification signal to the transmission device 66 so that the signal is transmitted to the corresponding subscriber.

  Next, FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 will be described. They are combined to form one figure, and the figure formed thereby shows the accounting apparatus 64 of FIG.

The first demultiplexer 480 receives the input signals listed below from the shopping control circuit 62.
Item, color, size signal,
Attached item signal,
Subscriber identification information.

The second demultiplexer 482 receives input signals listed below from a CATV network computer.
CATV credit request amount signal,
Subscriber identification information,
CATV program code,
CATV supplier code,
Service type identification information,
CATV payment method selection signal.

The third demultiplexer 484 receives the input signals listed below from the shopping input signal receiving device 60.
Shopping credit request signal,
Shopping payment method selection signal,
Shopping supplier code,
Subscriber identification information,
Service type identification information.

  The output signals of the above three demultiplexers 480, 482, and 484 are all supplied to the CPU 486, and the processing functions of the CPU 486 will be described later in relation to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

The CPU 486 supplies the output signals listed below to the merge circuit 488.
CATV credit data and code,
CATV debit data and code,
CATV balance data and code,
Shopping credit data and code,
Shopping debit data and code,
Shopping balance data and code,
Statistical data and codes,
Control message.

The merge circuit 488 merges the above output signals and provides the merged form of these output signals to a multiplexer 490 that generates the output signals listed below for each subscriber individually.
A control message which is an output signal supplied to the shopping control circuit 62.
The following output signals, which are output signals supplied to the transmitter 66:
Statistical data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Shopping subscriber accounting data and codes.
The following output signals, which are output signals to be supplied to the supplier side accounting processor 65 (FIG. 3):
CATV supplier accounting data,
Shopping supplier accounting data.

The merge circuit 488 further provides accounting data and codes and statistical data and codes to the memory control circuit 492. The memory control circuit 492 further receives general data from the CPU 486 and updates the memory bank 494 that includes the registers listed below.
Register for statistical data,
Notification register,
General-purpose data registers,
Register for shopping debit data,
Register for shopping credit data,
Shopping balance data register,
CATV debit data register,
CATV credit data register,
CATV balance data register.

  The memory bank 494 can also be accessed from the CPU 486 via the memory control circuit 492.

Next, FIG. 33 will be described. FIG. 33 shows the transmission device 66 of FIG. The transmitter 66 includes a multiplexer 500, which receives an access control data packet from a CATV network computer, and receives a control message and a shopping notification signal from the shopping control circuit 62. The multiplexer 500 further receives input signals listed below from the accounting device 64.
Statistical data and codes,
Accounting notification signal,
CATV subscriber accounting data and codes,
Shopping subscriber accounting data and codes.

The output signal of the multiplexer 500 is supplied to the modulation circuit 504 via the encryption circuit 502. The modulation circuit 504 modulates the video carrier signal received from the video carrier signal generation source and supplies the modulation output signal to the merging / amplifying circuit 506. The merging / amplifying circuit 506 receives the shopping program signal and the video program signal from the appropriate program signal transmission source, and transmits the video output signal to the plurality of subscriber terminals 52.

Next, FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 will be described. They are combined to form a single figure, and the figure formed is the structure of the game activity limiting device 100 that forms part of the system of FIG. It is the figure which showed the function. The demodulating circuit 600 receives input signals listed below from a plurality of subscriber terminals 12 via the interface devices 16 of the subscriber terminals, and demodulates them.
Payment method selection signal,
Game credit request signal,
Game selection signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
A selection signal about where to bet,
Subscriber identification information,
Game supplier code,
Service type selection signal.

  As a configuration that can be arbitrarily adopted, the game activity restriction device 100 may further receive various subscriber selection signals related to CATV including a CATV program selection signal.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, various input signals received by the demodulation circuit 600 are converted into encrypted signals. For this purpose, an appropriate decoding circuit 602 that receives an output signal from the demodulation circuit 600 is provided.

  The output signal of the decoding circuit 602 (however, if the decoding circuit is not used, the output of the demodulation circuit 600) is preferably supplied to the demultiplexer 604, and this demultiplexer 604 is supplied. Various input signals are supplied to the CPU 606. The CPU 606 further receives an input signal from the game control circuit 22 via the demultiplexer 608 and receives an input signal from the accounting device 24 via the demultiplexer 610.

The CPU 606 communicates with the memory 612 via the memory control circuit 614 to limit the game activity. The output signal from the CPU 606 is sent to each destination as listed below via the merging circuit 616 and the multiplexer 618.
The output signals sent to the game input signal receiving device 20 are as follows:
Payment method selection signal,
Game credit request signal,
Game selection signal,
A selection signal about the choices of the game,
A selection signal about where to bet,
Subscriber identification information,
Game supplier code,
Service type selection signal,
Status OK signal.
The output signals sent to the transmitter 26 are as follows.
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal,
Restriction status notification signal and code.
The output signals sent to the accounting device 24 are as follows:
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal,
Restriction status code.
The output signals to the game control circuit 22 are as follows:
Subscriber identification information,
Service type selection signal,
Restriction status code.

  36-39, which are combined to form a single figure, the figure formed is a typical example of the code organization of information used in the system of the present invention. This is a diagram. For example, in order to be able to maintain separate accounts for different service types such as pay television programs, shopping, and games, identification codes for distinguishing different service types from each other are used. In addition, identification codes are used to distinguish different suppliers, as well as identification codes to distinguish different subscribers.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the identification codes is configured as a group of numbers consisting of one or more digits, and is part of the signal to be communicated. It can be encrypted, can be transmitted in either an analog format or a digital format, and can be transmitted after being subjected to compression processing, or can be transmitted as it is without being compressed. On the receiving side, an identification code portion is extracted from the received signal, and if decoding or conversion to an analog format is necessary, the identification code is processed after performing those.

  FIG. 36 shows several strings of credit data identification codes. In each of these credit data identification codes, the value of the first digit representing the accounting code is “1”, which indicates that the accounting code is a credit data identification code. The next digit that follows is the service type code, which represents the type of service that uses the credit grant. If this digit is “1”, it means that the credit is for CATV, “2” is for credit for the game, and “3” is for credit for shopping. Represents.

  Other services other than these three types can also be added by using another identification number.

  The next two digits constitute a supplier identification code. Suppliers are identified by a two-digit supplier number, and different suppliers can provide the same type of service (CATV, games, shopping, etc.), and even the same type (program) , Games, merchandise, etc.).

  Crediting for CATV can be granted only for specific programs, and crediting for games can also be granted only for specific games. For this purpose, a two-digit number is assigned for use as a program number identifier or a game identification code. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, credit for shopping is provided without being limited to special items.

  The following six digits constitute a subscriber identification code, which is a number associated with a particular subscriber's credit grant.

A plurality of payment methods are possible, and the payment method is specified by a payment method identification code consisting of a two-digit number following the subscriber identification code. The first number of these two-digit numbers represents a payment method selected from among payment methods such as monthly lump sum payments and installment payments.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the latter number of these two digits is used to select one of a plurality of different pricing schemes that apply to each of the various activity types or activity times. From this, one fee structure can be selected. For example, when transferring data just before the start of a game or auction, a high rate charge system is applied, and if data is transferred at least one hour before the start of the game, etc. It is conceivable to apply a low rate charge system to subscribers who applied their charge system and entered their selections one day or more before the start of the game or auction. In this way, if different fee systems can be applied according to the payment method identification code, the game or auction provider (organizer) can adjust the amount of data transferred, Service for users can be improved.

  The next group of digits is a code representing the credit amount. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the level of the amount of credit can be varied for each service type. Therefore, the number of digits assigned to this credit amount code can vary depending on the service type. The last group of digits indicates the credit recipient. Therefore, when the credit is given to the smart card and when the credit is given to the credit card account, the recipient code is different.

  Next, FIG. 37 will be described. FIG. 37 shows a debit data identification code according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Again, the first four digits are used for the same purpose as the first four digits in the credit data identification code of FIG. However, the numeral “2” indicates that these accounting data signals are debit data signals. The two digits following the first four digits are used in the CATV debit data identification code to represent the program number, the game debit data identification code to represent the game identification number, and shopping The debit data identification code is used to represent the item identification number.

  The shopping debit data identification code is further provided with an additional number of digits to represent the product associated with the data. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, of these additional digits, 2 digits are the item color, 5 digits are the item size, and 4 digits are the accessory items associated with the ordered item (eg, for women Used to show the color ribbon attached to the dress).

  The last four groups of digits may be the same as the last four groups of digits in the credit data identification code of FIG.

  FIG. 38 shows some balance data identification codes, which are exchanged between, for example, a transmission device (for example, the transmission device 26 in FIG. 1) and a subscriber terminal (for example, the subscriber terminal 12 in FIG. 1). It is part of the current balance data signal. The first four digits may be used for the same purpose as the first four digits in the credit data identification code of FIG. 36 or the debit data identification code of FIG.

  The number “3” in the first group digit indicates that the accounting data signal is a balance data signal. The last four groups of digits can have the same structure and function as the last four groups of digits in the credit data identification code or debit data identification code, except for the amount code. Represents the amount of the balance.

  FIG. 39 shows the statistical data identification code. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the statistical data identification code can be used as a reference in selecting a number that the subscriber is likely to win, or in order for the subscriber to decide to purchase a particular product. It forms part of a statistical data signal transmitted from a transmitting device (for example, transmitting device 26 in FIG. 1) to a subscriber terminal (for example, subscriber terminal 12 in FIG. 1).

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the statistical data identification code has a leading digit value of “4” to indicate that the data signal is a statistical data signal. The next digit that follows represents the service type for which the statistical data is presented. The two digits that follow it make up the supplier identification code. The subsequent two digits are used to represent a program, game, or item, depending on the service type. Further, the following 4 digits are used to represent game options or shopping details, such as the item color, item size, accessory items attached to the main item, etc. It is.

  The following 6-digit number is used as the subscriber identification number, and the subsequent 2-digit number is used as the payment method code described above in connection with the credit data identification code.

  The last group of 10 digits constitutes the subscriber's personal data code. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, out of the 10 digits included in this code, 3 digits are used for the residential area code, 1 digit is used as the affiliation age group code, and gender, family status and children are used. One digit is used for each person, and the remaining three digits are used for special additional information such as personal preferences.

  Referring now to FIGS. 40-42, these figures, when combined, form a flowchart that illustrates the operation of the game system of FIG.

A subscriber who wants to participate in the game is first required to sequentially perform the selections listed below.
Selecting a CATV channel for the game,
Selecting a game from the menu,
Supplier selection from the menu,
Select the total amount to be used for betting.

  If the amount selected as the total amount used for betting is less than or equal to the credit limit, the system then checks whether the number of participations in the game activity is less than the maximum number of times.

  The setting of the credit limit and the number of times a bet can be entered can be set by the limiter of FIGS. 34 and 35, which can be used for the bet amount that can be used for betting, for example one day or one month. This is done with the intention of preventing subscribers from becoming addicted to betting by limiting the number of times a subscriber is allowed to participate in the game within the unit period.

If the subscriber has not been given a credit amount sufficient to cover the amount selected as the total amount to bet, the system displays a “insufficient credit” message. The subscriber is then asked if he wants to increase the credit. If the answer is “NO”, the system exits the game program. On the other hand, if the answer is “YES”, then the system checks whether the subscriber is entitled to an increase in credit. If the subscriber has not been granted an increase, the system will exit the game program with a “No credit increase” message.

  On the other hand, if the subscriber is entitled to an increase in the amount of credit, he asks the subscriber to select a credit request amount. The menu at this time is a menu that does not require a credit amount exceeding the subscriber's right limit. If the subscriber selects a credit request amount and expresses consent to it, it sends a credit request. The subscriber then receives the credit grant and provides confirmation of receipt of the transmitted credit grant.

  If the subscriber is given an additional credit amount sufficient to cover the amount requested for betting, the subscriber is then returned to the menu for entering the total amount to be used for gaming bets, You will be asked to enter the amount.

  However, it is possible to make a request to increase the credit amount by various means other than this, for example, a method of contacting the credit amount management section that manages the credit amount for games by telephone is also conceivable. The credit grant amount management section may be one that the person in charge handles, or one that the interactive computer system handles. In this case, for the subscriber, only a message for calling the credit amount management unit is displayed on the screen, and the data transmitted via the CATV network is a credit data signal (credit grant data signal). ) Only. Yet another possible method is to automatically increase the remaining credit amount when it approaches the minimum amount. In that case, the limit setting process described above may be omitted.

  Returning the description to the check on the limit number of participations, if the number of times that the subscriber has participated in the bet so far is less than or equal to the limit number of times, the subscriber is allowed to select a game option. On the other hand, if the limit number has been exceeded, the system exits the game program after displaying a message notifying the subscriber that the maximum number of times allowed to bet is exceeded.

  If the subscriber selects a game option, for example, a screen such as that illustrated in FIG. 52 is presented to the subscriber to select where to bet (ie what number combination to bet on). Ask subscribers. Each time the selection of one number combination is completed, the subscriber is asked whether or not to bet on another combination. If the answer is “YES”, the betting amount of the consecutive betting activities is accumulated and the betting amount is deducted from the remaining credit amount. Subsequently, the system returns to the test for checking whether or not the accumulated amount is equal to or less than the credit amount, and from there, the above-described processing procedure is followed again.

  The screen of FIG. 52 is supposed to include a “remaining time until the start of the lottery” or similar display, which indicates the time until the game is started and thus the remaining time for betting. , Continuously displayed to the subscriber.

  Once the subscriber has selected where to bet, the subscriber is asked if the data can be sent. If the answer is “no”, the subscriber is further asked whether to cancel the previous selection. If the answer is no, return the subscriber to the menu for selecting where to bet. On the other hand, if the answer is “YES”, the system cancels the previous selection and deducts the amount for the previous selection. The system then returns the subscriber to a menu for selecting where to bet.

  In this way, if a function that can cancel the previous selection is provided, the data entered by the subscriber is corrected if the subscriber changes their mind or if the data is entered incorrectly. be able to.

  If the subscriber agrees to transmit the data, the subscriber is then prompted to select a payment method. Available payment method options will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the payment method is selected, the data input so far by the subscriber is transmitted to the game input signal receiving device 20.

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the same data as the data to be transmitted at this time is transferred to the subscriber's smart card or the internal memory of the CATV interface device 16.

  Subsequently, the system checks whether or not the transmission has been normally completed. If not completed normally, the system repeats transmission until all data transmission is completed normally. If the transmission is completed normally, the system then displays an OK message to inform the subscriber of the result of the communication and to display the transmitted data on the television screen for reference, and then to the subscriber. Ask if you want to continue betting.

  At this point, if the subscriber wishes to continue betting, he returns to the menu for selecting where to bet and repeats the entire loop to execute the subsequent processing steps. On the other hand, if the subscriber is not willing, the system exits the game program or moves to another program or channel.

  If the subscriber does not have a winning amount when the game ends, no matter what channel the subscriber is watching at that time, the result of the game will be displayed on that channel and the result will be shown to the subscriber. Tell. On the other hand, if the subscriber has won the game, the system displays a message to the channel that the subscriber has won no matter what channel the subscriber is currently watching and then wins. Check whether the amount exceeds the immediate refund limit. If the prize amount is equal to or less than the immediate refund limit, the amount is transmitted to the smart card or the internal memory of the CATV interface device 16. On the other hand, if the award amount is equal to or greater than the immediate refund limit amount, the amount is sent (transferred) to the bank account or credit card account of the subscriber as a credit transfer amount.

  Next, FIG. 43 will be described. FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing options and operations that can be adopted in the procedure for selecting a payment method.

  Once the subscriber enters the menu for payment method selection, the subscriber is asked to select one of a plurality of available payment modes. Available payment modes are generally credit card payment, smart card payment and installment payment. The subscriber is then asked to select one of a plurality of available data transfer methods. Available data transfer methods are generally immediate transfer, transfer within one hour, and transfer during off-hours.

  If the subscriber selects immediate transfer of data, the subscriber is charged for the first rate structure, which is the highest rate structure. On the other hand, if the subscriber selects data transfer within one hour, the system sets a one hour timer and issues an inquiry to the game input signal receiving device 20 to start connection every 5 minutes. If the game input signal receiving circuit 20 establishes a communication channel when it is convenient for the amount of work, the data is transferred, and the subscriber is charged with the second fee structure which is a medium rate fee structure. Will be charged.

If there is more than one day before the game to be wagered starts, the subscriber can choose to transfer data during off-peak hours. In this case, the system calculates the time remaining until the start of the selected game, sets a 24-hour timer, and makes an inquiry to the game input signal receiver 20 such as midnight or early morning. This is done in a quiet time. In this case, the subscriber is charged with the third rate system with the lowest rate.

  Next, FIG. 29 will be described. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an operation related to selection of a payment method in the interactive game system of FIG.

  Once the subscriber enters the menu for payment method selection, the subscriber is asked to select one of a plurality of available payment modes. The available payment modes are generally credit card payment, smart card payment, and installment payment. Here, since the game is interactive, there is no room for selection regarding the data transfer method, and as soon as the subscriber completes the data input, the connection with the game input signal receiving device is started.

  Referring now to FIGS. 45-47, these figures combine to form a single flowchart, and the formed flowchart illustrates the operation of the shopping system of FIG.

A subscriber who wants to purchase an item or participate in an auction is first presented with a screen as shown in FIG. 53, for example, and is required to sequentially execute the selections listed below. Is done.
The selection of CATV channels for shopping,
Shopping menu selection,
Item code selection,
Supplier choice.

  The subscriber is then asked if he wants to see the product commercial.

  As shown in FIG. 53, the remaining time from the effective time limit of the presented product price to the auction start time may be displayed continuously.

  If the answer to the question whether you want to see the above product commercial is “YES”, the commercial is displayed on the television screen. When the commercial is over, the system displays a shopping menu on the display and displays the amount of credit available to the subscriber.

  On the other hand, if the answer to the above question is “NO”, the system immediately transitions to the purchase menu without showing a commercial on the television screen and presents the available credit allowance to the subscriber. .

  If the available credit amount is above a minimum amount of $ 20, for example, the subscriber is asked if he wants to increase the credit amount. If the answer is “NO”, move the subscriber to the item selection menu, where the subscriber selects the item size, color, accessory items, and other details that can be selected. select.

On the other hand, if the subscriber wishes to increase the credit amount, the system checks whether the subscriber is entitled to the credit amount increase. If the subscriber is allowed to increase, the subscriber is asked to select a credit request amount. The menu at this time is set so that the amount of credit can not be requested beyond the limit of the right of the subscriber. After selecting a credit request amount, if the subscriber gives consent to the selected amount, a credit request is sent. The subscriber then receives the credit grant and provides confirmation of receipt of the transmitted credit grant.

  On the other hand, if the subscriber is not entitled to an increase in credit, but has already had a credit that is greater than the above minimum, the system After displaying the “No increase” message, the subscriber is asked if he intends to escape from the shopping program. If the subscriber did so, the system exits the shopping program. On the other hand, if the subscriber wishes to continue shopping, the subscriber is moved to the item selection menu.

  Returning to the explanation, if the initial credit amount of the subscriber is below the minimum amount, the subscriber is asked whether or not he / she wants to increase the credit amount. If the answer is “NO”, the system exits the shopping program. On the other hand, if the answer is “YES”, then the system checks whether the subscriber is entitled to an increase in credit. If the subscriber was not entitled to the increase, the system exits the shopping program. On the other hand, if the subscriber is entitled to an increase in the amount of credit, he asks the subscriber to select a credit request amount. After obtaining the consent of the subscriber, a credit request is transmitted. Subsequently, the subscriber receives the credit grant and provides confirmation of receipt of the transmitted credit grant.

  If the subscriber has earned an additional credit amount sufficient to pay for the purchase to be made, the subscriber is transferred to the item selection menu described above.

  Each time a subscriber selects one item, the subscriber is asked if he intends to select another product. If the subscriber did so, the system accumulates the price of the selected product and subtracts the accumulated total from the credit balance. The system then returns to the test to see if the subscriber's remaining credit is greater than a predetermined minimum amount.

  If the subscriber has made a purchase, the subscriber is asked if the data can be transmitted. If the subscriber chooses not to send the data, the subscriber is further asked whether to cancel the previous selection. If the subscriber wishes to cancel the selection, the amount is credited to the subscriber's account and the subscriber is returned to the item selection menu. On the other hand, if the intention is not to cancel the previous selection, the subscriber is returned directly to the item selection menu.

  If the subscriber agrees to transmit the data, he then asks the subscriber to begin selecting a payment method, which is done as described above with reference to FIG. . Subsequently, the data is transmitted to the shopping opportunity selection signal receiving device 60.

  The data to be transmitted at this time is further transferred to the subscriber's smart card or the internal memory of the CATV interface device 56. Subsequently, the system checks whether or not the transmission has been normally completed.

  If the transmission has not been completed successfully, the system activates the procedure for transmission repeatedly until all transmissions are completed successfully. If the transmission is normally completed, an OK message is displayed to the subscriber and the transmitted data is displayed on the television screen. Thereafter, the subscriber is asked if he intends to continue shopping, and if so, the subscriber is returned to the item selection menu. On the other hand, if the subscriber intends to finish shopping, the system returns to the shopping program.

  Referring now to FIGS. 48-50, they combine to form a single flowchart illustrating the operation of the interactive game system of the type shown in FIG.

For a subscriber who intends to participate in the interactive game, a screen as shown in FIG. 54, for example, is first presented, and the selections listed below are sequentially executed.
CATV channel selection for interactive games,
Game menu selection,
Select a supplier from the menu.

  If the above is selected, the subscriber can watch the selected interactive game program. When the subscriber chooses to participate in the game, he / she may press the corresponding button on the CATV remote control device to display the intention to that effect. The subscriber then receives an acknowledgment that he / she is allowed to participate in the game and is transferred to a selection menu where he is asked to select the total amount of wage to be used in the game. The system checks whether the selected amount is below the available credit limit.

  If the selected amount exceeds the available credit limit, the system displays a “credit not enough” message. The subscriber is then asked if he wants to increase the credit. If the answer is “NO”, the system exits the game program. On the other hand, if the answer is “YES”, then the system checks whether the subscriber is entitled to an increase in credit.

  If the subscriber was not entitled to an increase in credit, the system exits the game program after displaying a “Cannot increase credit” message. On the other hand, if the subscriber is given the right to receive an increase in the credit provision amount, the subscriber is transferred to a menu for requesting the subscriber to select a credit provision amount. If the subscriber has selected a credit request amount and expressed consent to it, it sends a credit request. The subscriber then receives the credit grant and provides confirmation of receipt of the transmitted credit grant.

  Thereafter, the subscriber is returned to the menu for prompting the subscriber to enter the amount to be used as a wager for the game.

  If a subscriber enters an amount to use as a wager for the game, the system checks whether the number of times the subscriber has participated in the game so far is less than an acceptable limit. If the allowable number of times is exceeded, the system exits the game program after displaying a message indicating that the allowable number of times of game participation has been exceeded.

  If it is found that even after participating in the game, the allowable limit is not exceeded, the subscriber is asked to select a game option. This allows the subscriber to begin selecting betting inputs.

  Each time a bet input selection is completed, the subscriber is asked if he or she intends to select another bet input.

  If the answer is "YES", the system accumulates additional amounts and subtracts them from the remaining credit, and whether the total wager is within the available credit limit Return to the processing procedure to check.

On the other hand, if the answer is “NO”, the subscriber is asked whether or not the input data accumulated so far can be transmitted.

  If the subscriber does not want to send data at this point, it then asks if they intend to cancel the previous selection. If the answer is “YES”, the amount related to the previous selection is entered in the subscriber's credit and refunded, and the subscriber is returned to the menu for selecting the betting input. On the other hand, if the answer is “NO”, the subscriber is immediately returned to the menu for selecting the betting input.

  If the subscriber agrees to transmit the data, the subscriber is then asked to select a payment method, and this payment method is selected according to the procedure described above with reference to FIG. Subsequently, the system transmits the data to the betting input signal receiving device 80 (FIG. 4).

  In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the same data as the data to be transmitted at this time is transferred to the subscriber's smart card or the internal memory of the CATV interface device 16. Subsequently, the system checks whether or not the transmission has been normally completed. If not completed normally, the system repeats transmission until all data transmission is completed normally. If the transmission is completed normally, the system then displays an OK message to inform the subscriber of the result of the communication and to display the transmitted data on the television screen for reference, and then to the subscriber. Ask if you want to continue betting.

  At this point, if the subscriber wishes to continue betting, he returns to the menu for selecting where to bet and repeats the entire loop to execute the subsequent processing steps. On the other hand, if the subscriber does not intend to do so, the system exits the game program or moves to another program or channel.

  If there is no winning amount to be paid back to the subscriber's credit when the game is over, no matter what channel the subscriber is viewing at that time, the result of the game will be displayed on the viewing channel and the Communicate the results to the subscriber.

  On the other hand, if the subscriber has won the game, the system displays a message informing the channel that the subscriber has won, no matter what channel the subscriber is watching at that time, and Check whether the prize amount exceeds the immediate refund limit. If the prize amount is equal to or less than the immediate refund limit amount, the amount is transmitted to the smart card or the internal memory of the CATV interface device 16. On the other hand, if the award amount is equal to or greater than the immediate refund limit, the amount is transferred to the subscriber's bank account or credit card account as a credit transfer amount.

  Next, FIG. 51 will be described. This figure is selectable in selecting a processing procedure for obtaining statistical data in each service available by the various systems described above with reference to FIGS. 5 is a flowchart showing various options and operations.

  A subscriber who wants to receive statistical data is asked to select a program or channel and a service type for the statistical data.

  If the statistical information is necessary for CATV, the subscriber is asked to select a supplier code and program number.

In order to receive statistical information about the program, the subscriber needs to select several statistical parameters. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as the corresponding statistical parameters, a parameter for specifying a statistical period in which the statistical data is required, a parameter for specifying a program number of a program provided by a supplier, and a program There are parameters that specify the producer of the program, parameters that specify the performer of the program, and so on.

  Once the specified statistical data is displayed on the screen and the subscriber can analyze it, the subscriber is then asked whether he intends to return to the program. If the subscriber is willing, the system will exit for the program. On the other hand, if the subscriber does not intend to do so, the system allows the subscriber to return to the statistical parameter selection menu.

  If the statistical information is necessary for the game, the subscriber is asked to select a supplier code, a game, and game options.

  In order to receive statistical information about the game, the subscriber needs to select several statistical parameters. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as the corresponding statistical parameters, a parameter for specifying the statistical period for which the statistical data is required, a parameter for specifying the total bet amount and the winning amount, and the number of participants are specified. Parameters to specify, parameters to specify the statistical distribution, and so on.

  Once the specified statistical data is displayed and the subscriber can analyze it, the subscriber is then asked if he intends to return to the program. If the subscriber is willing, the system will exit for the program. On the other hand, if the subscriber does not intend to do so, the system allows the subscriber to return to the statistical parameter selection menu.

  If the statistical information is necessary for shopping, the subscriber is asked to select the supplier code and the item for which the statistical information is needed.

  In order to receive statistical information about the item, the subscriber needs to select several statistical parameters. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, these parameters include a parameter that specifies the statistical period for which the statistical data is required, a parameter that specifies the color or size of the item, and a parameter that specifies the previous model. And so on.

  Once the specified statistical data has been displayed and the subscriber has been able to analyze it, the subscriber is then asked if he intends to return to the shopping program. If the subscriber is willing, the system will exit for the shopping program. On the other hand, if the subscriber does not intend to do so, the system allows the subscriber to return to the statistical parameter selection menu.

  As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically illustrated and described above. The scope of the invention is as set forth in the claims.

1 is a generalized block diagram of a CATV television game system having a configuration and operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram of a broadcast television game system having a configuration and operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a generalized block diagram of a shopping system for CATV television having a configuration and operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is combined with FIG. 5 to form a single figure, which shows a part of a system for CATV television having a configuration and operation according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is the generalized block diagram. Combined with FIG. 4 to form a single figure, the figure showing a portion of a system for CATV television having a configuration and operation according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is the generalized block diagram. FIG. 6 is a generalized block diagram of a CATV television game system having a configuration and operation according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a generalized block diagram of a shopping system for CATV television having a configuration and operation according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 9 and 10 are combined to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram illustrating a portion of the system of FIG. 8 and 10 are combined to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram showing a portion of the system of FIG. 8 and 9 are combined to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram illustrating a portion of the system of FIG. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a game input signal receiving device forming part of the system of FIG. 1. Combined with FIG. 13 to form a single figure, the figure formed is a simplified block diagram of the game control circuitry that forms part of the system of FIG. Combined with FIG. 12, it forms a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram of the game control circuitry that forms part of the system of FIG. Combined with FIG. 15 to form a single figure, the figure formed is a simplified block diagram of an accounting device that forms part of the system of FIG. Combined with FIG. 14, it forms a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram of an accounting device that forms part of the system of FIG. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a transmission device that forms part of the system of FIG. 1. Combined with FIG. 18 to form a single figure, the figure formed is a simplified block diagram illustrating a portion of the system of FIG. Combined with FIG. 19 to form a single figure, the figure formed is a simplified block diagram illustrating a portion of the system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a communication device that forms part of the system of FIG. 2. 21 is combined with FIG. 21 to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram of the game control circuitry that forms part of the system of FIG. 20 is combined with FIG. 20 to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram of the game control circuitry that forms part of the system of FIG. In combination with FIG. 23, a single figure is formed, which is a simplified block diagram of an accounting device that forms part of the system of FIG. Combined with FIG. 22 to form a single figure, the figure formed is a simplified block diagram of an accounting device that forms part of the system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a transmission device that forms part of the system of FIG. 2. 26 and 27 are combined to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram showing a portion of the system of FIG. 25 and 27 are combined to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram illustrating a portion of the system of FIG. 25 and 26 are combined to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram showing a portion of the system of FIG. FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a shopping input signal receiving device forming part of the system of FIG. 3. 30 is combined with FIG. 30 to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram illustrating a shopping control circuit that forms part of the system of FIG. Combined with FIG. 29 to form a single figure, the figure formed is a simplified block diagram illustrating a shopping control circuit that forms part of the system of FIG. In combination with FIG. 32, a single figure is formed, and the figure formed is a simplified block diagram of an accounting apparatus that forms part of the system of FIG. 31 is combined with FIG. 31 to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram of an accounting apparatus that forms part of the system of FIG. FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a transmission device that forms part of the system of FIG. 3. Combined with FIG. 35 to form a single figure, the figure formed is a simplified block diagram of the game activity restriction device forming part of the system of FIG. 34 is combined with FIG. 34 to form a single figure, which is a simplified block diagram of the game activity restriction device that forms part of the system of FIG. FIG. 37, FIG. 38, and FIG. 39 are combined to form a set of diagrams, which is an example of a typical code organization for information codes used in the system of the present invention. It is the diagram which showed. FIG. 36, FIG. 38, and FIG. 39 are combined to form a set of diagrams, and the formed diagram is an example of a typical code organization for information codes used in the system of the present invention. It is the diagram which showed. FIG. 36, FIG. 37, and FIG. 39 are combined to form a set of diagrams, and the formed diagram is an example of a typical code organization for information codes used in the system of the present invention. It is the diagram which showed. FIG. 36, FIG. 37, and FIG. 38 are combined to form a set of diagrams, and the formed diagram is an example of a typical code organization for information codes used in the system of the present invention. It is the diagram which showed. FIG. 43 is a diagram combined with FIGS. 41 and 42 to form a flowchart illustrating the operation of the game system of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 43 is a diagram combined with FIGS. 40 and 42 to form a flowchart illustrating the operation of the game system of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 43 is a diagram combined with FIGS. 40 and 41 to form a flowchart illustrating the operation of the game system of FIGS. 1 and 2. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the selection procedure of the payment method in the system of FIGS. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the selection procedure of the payment method in the system of FIG. 46 and 47 are combined to form one flowchart illustrating the operation of the shopping system of FIG. FIG. 48 is combined with FIG. 45 and FIG. 47 to form one flowchart illustrating the operation of the shopping system of FIG. FIG. 47 is a diagram combined with FIGS. 45 and 46 to form one flow chart illustrating the operation of the shopping system of FIG. FIG. 51 is a diagram combined with FIGS. 49 and 50 to form one flow chart illustrating the operation of the interactive game system of FIG. FIG. 51 is a diagram combined with FIGS. 48 and 50 to form one flowchart illustrating the operation of the interactive game system of FIG. 4. FIG. 52 is a diagram combined with FIG. 48 and FIG. 51 to form one flowchart illustrating the operation of the interactive game system of FIG. It is the flowchart which showed the operation | movement of the statistical data collection and distribution mechanism which forms a part of system which has the structure and the operation | movement aspect which concern on preferred embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed an example of the typical screen display displayed with operation | movement of the system of FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the typical screen display displayed with operation | movement of the system of FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the typical screen display displayed with operation | movement of the system of FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the screen display for typical statistical data displayed with operation | movement of the system of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 CATV network 12 Subscriber terminal 14 Television 20 Game input signal receiver 22 Game control circuit 24 Accounting device 26 Transmitter 30 Broadcast television network 32 Subscriber terminal 34 Television 40 Communication device 42 Game control circuit 46 Accounting device 50 CATV Network 52 Subscriber terminal 54 Television 60 Shopping input receiving device 62 Shopping control circuit 64 Accounting device 66 Transmitting device 100 Game activity limiting device 102 General-purpose credit card interface 104 General-purpose credit card interface

Claims (15)

A television system,
A television network having multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52), wherein at least one of the multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52)
A television set associated with a separate accounting identification code for television and non-television services from the television network transmitter and the separate accounting identification code for television and for the service, respectively. A receiver (150) for receiving separate accounting data for and for the service;
Subscriber selection for one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service and for the separate accounting identification code for television and for the service; Matching at least a portion of the separate accounting data associated with one and performing a monetary process on the at least a portion of the separate accounting data to perform processing associated with the subscriber selection A processor (158) operable to generate accounting data;
A transmitter (174) for transmitting the processed accounting data and the one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service;
Said television network comprising a subscriber unit comprising:
A programmable device (100) for restricting at least one of game participation activity and betting participation activity of the subscriber unit via the television network;
Receiving from said at least one of said multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52) an input comprising said one of said distinct accounting identification codes for television and for said service A receiving device;
Accounting device for separately checking out accounts for each of the television and for each of the services via the television network using the separate accounting identification codes for the television and for the service (26, 64),
TV system equipped with.   The system according to claim 1, further comprising, for the at least one of the multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52), the separate accounting identification for television and for the service. A transmitting device (26) for transmitting the separate accounting data for the television and for the service respectively associated with the code and the separate accounting identification code for the television and for the service A television system characterized by   3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the services includes a game service, the input includes a game input, and the accounting device (24, 64) also includes: A television system which operates to settle a losing amount and a winning amount relating to a game via the television network.   3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the services comprises a shopping service, the input comprises a shopping input, and the accounting device (24, 64) is also a debt related to shopping. And a credit system which operates to settle the credit amount via the television network.   3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting device (26) also provides information on shopping opportunities and information on games to the at least one of the multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52). , Wherein the television system is operable to transmit at least one of the television system.   6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system includes a pay television system, the television network includes a pay television network, and the identification code for the television is charged. A television system comprising an identification code for the television.   The system according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the transmitting device (26) is a device that transmits live to the at least one of the multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52). A television system characterized by comprising.   The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the accounting device (24, 64) settles the debt and credit provided for the service via the television network and a credit card mechanism. A television system characterized by connecting directly to a universal credit card billing and payment mechanism (102).   9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the accounting device (24, 64) maintains separate accounts for television program charges and non-program charges. John System.   10. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the programmable device (100) receives control inputs received from the at least one of the multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52). Responsive to operating to limit at least one of game participation activity and betting participation activity of the at least one subscriber unit of the multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52); Includes at least one of a credit limit and a participation limit, wherein the programmable device (100) determines a current credit amount as the credit limit and a current participation number as the participation number. Compare with the number of participation limits, and the corresponding one of the current credit amount and the current number of participation is a correspondence between the credit amount limit and the number of participation limit If it exceeds the one that, television system, characterized in, that operate to prevent the subscriber to use the service.   11. A system according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving device decrypts an encrypted input received from the at least one of the multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52). A television system, characterized in that it includes a decoder (202).   12. The system according to any of claims 2 to 11, wherein the transmitting device (26) comprises an encryptor (252), the encryptor for the television and for the service. Encrypting at least one of at least some of the separate accounting identification codes and at least one of the separate accounting data for television and for the service John System. A method of providing a service in a television system,
Providing a television network having a number of subscriber units (12, 32, 52), wherein at least one of the number of subscriber units (12, 32, 52);
A television set associated with a separate accounting identification code for a television and non-television service from the television network transmitter and the separate accounting identification code for the television and for the service, respectively. A receiver (150) for receiving separate accounting data for and for the service;
Subscriber selection for one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service and for the separate accounting identification code for television and for the service; Matching at least a portion of the separate accounting data associated with one and performing a monetary process on the at least a portion of the separate accounting data to perform processing associated with the subscriber selection A processor (158) operable to generate accounting data;
A transmitter (174) for transmitting the processed accounting data and the one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service;
With
Restricting at least one of a game participation activity and a betting participation activity of the subscriber unit via the television network;
Receiving from said at least one of said multiple subscriber units (12, 32, 52) an input comprising said one of said separate accounting identification codes for television and for said service; ,
Using the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service, separately account for the television and for each of the services via the television network,
Method. A subscriber unit,
A television set associated with a separate accounting identification code for a television and non-television service from the television network transmitter and the separate accounting identification code for the television and for the service, respectively. A receiver (150) for receiving separate accounting data for and for the service;
Subscriber selection for one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service and for the separate accounting identification code for television and for the service; Matching at least a portion of the separate accounting data associated with one and performing a monetary process on the at least a portion of the separate accounting data to perform processing associated with the subscriber selection A processor (158) operable to generate accounting data;
A transmitter (174) for transmitting the processed accounting data and the one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service;
With
The subscriber unit operates in connection with a television network and a programmable device (100), wherein the programmable device (100) includes a game participation activity and a wager participation activity of the subscriber unit. Restrict at least one via the television network;
The subscriber unit operates in connection with a receiving device, the receiving device including the one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service from the subscriber unit. Receive input,
The subscriber unit operates in connection with an accounting device (26, 64), the accounting device for the television using the separate accounting identification code for the television and for the service. And a separate account for each of the services, via the television network,
A subscriber unit featuring: A method of providing service to a subscriber, comprising:
A television set associated with a separate accounting identification code for television and non-television services from the television network transmitter and the separate accounting identification code for television and for the service, respectively. Receiving separate accounting data for and for the service;
Subscriber selection for one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service and for the separate accounting identification code for television and for the service; Matching at least a portion of the separate accounting data associated with one and performing a monetary process on the at least a portion of the separate accounting data to perform processing associated with the subscriber selection Generating accounting data;
Transmitting the processed accounting data and the one of the separate accounting identification codes for television and for the service;
With
The method further includes restricting at least one of a subscriber unit's game participation activity and betting participation activity via the television network;
Receiving from said subscriber unit input including said one of said separate accounting identification codes for television and for said service; and said separate for television and for said service A separate account for the television and for each of the services, using the accounting identification code, via the television network;
A method.

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